The hospitality industry in New Zealand is a major industry operating around the country.[1] It is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, contributing about 1.7% of GDP, equivalent to NZ$5 billion annually.[2]
Businesses in the sector can be divided into four broad categories: Quick Service Restaurants; Takeaways; Pubs, Taverns and Bars; and Cafes and Restaurants. [3] More than half of the sector's workforce work in cafes and restaurants, and more than half of sales occur in the Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington regions.[1]
The sector has a long-term shortage of workers, particularly skilled chefs and managers. Workers do not require formal qualifications, but require customer service skills and may require certificates to manage premises and sell alcohol.[4][1] The shortage of workers has been made worse due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
In 2019, 39.1% of sales were in the Auckland region, 12.3% of sales were in the Canterbury region, and 10.6% of sales were in the Wellington region.[1]
Between January 2020 and January 2021, the sector recorded double digit revenue declines across all categories due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.[6] Spending on businesses including cafes, restaurants, takeaway food, and bars was 95% lower in April 2020 than in April 2019.[7]
In the late 2021 Auckland lockdown, the sector recorded a further 60% reduction in national activity.[8]
